Codes for Reviews

First Initial (Overall Rating):
E = Exceptional
VG = Very Good
G = Good
F = Fair
NR = Not Recommended

Second Initital (Reading Level):
A = Average Reading Level
E = Easy
M = Mature

“The views expressed are of individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of their respective institutions.”

For more information about YAR, please email Dora Ho at dorah2005@gmail.com


Friday, December 31, 2010

The Oracle Rebounds

High School Fiction

VG/A. Van Diepen, Allison. The Oracle Rebounds. Harlequin, 2010. 208 p. ISBN: 9780373210213 $9.99

Sequel to The Oracle of Dating.

When Kayla and Jared break up, her head is reeling. Instead of moping around, she decides to throw herself back into working as The Oracle. As she navigates a rebound relationship with a foreign exchange student and dealing with mean girls online, Kayla ends up focusing on what is really important: her friends and family.

A great sequel that stands on its own.

Sarah Mae Harper, CoLAPL- AC Bilbrew Library

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Sparky: The Life and Art of Charles Schulz

Adult/YA Category

G/A Gherman, Beverly. Sparky: The Life and Art of Charles Schulz. Chronicle Books. 2010. ISN: 978-0-8118-6790-0. 125p. $16.99.

The layout of this biography on the famous cartoonist Charles Schulz makes this book attractive and fun to read. It also includes many photos and the classic Peanut cartoon strips. Readers who are not familiar with his life will discover who is the real Charles Schulz. - Dora Ho, Young Adult Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Revolution

High School Fiction/ Historical Fiction

E/A Donnelly, Jennifer. Revolution. Delacorte Press, 2010. 496p. 978-0-385-73763-0. 18.99.

Ever since her little brother was killed two years ago, high school senior Andi Alpers’ life has sucked. She blames herself for what happened and is failing out of school, her dad has moved out and her mom has lost it completely. Everything changes when Andi’s dad forces her to come with him on a work trip to Paris. Andi becomes obsessed with the diary of a 17yo French girl from 1795, recounting her experience during the French Revolution. Even separated by two centuries, there are striking parallels between the two girls. The past and present are beautifully woven together in this fascinating story of history and redemption. You don’t have to be a fan of historical fiction to love this book. Loren Spector, LAPL, Felipe de Neve

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

NR Bender, Aimee. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. Doubleday, 2010. 304p. 978-0385501125. 25.95.

Not recommended for Young Adults.